The Diamonds got the fright of their lives but they have held on to beat South Africa and they have made the World Cup Final, where they’ll face New Zealand.
Caitlin Bassett didn’t play tonight but you would have to think that she will lead the Diamonds in the final.
Jo Weston had a couple of crucial turnovers in the last quarter to keep the Diamonds in front. As they did against the Silver Ferns, the Diamonds held strong under pressure.
Final score
Australia 54
South Africa 52
We’re definitely into the business end of the Netball World Cup, with the Australian Diamonds taking on South Africa tonight with a World Cup Final spot up for grabs. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 8:15pm (AEST).
Australia has enjoyed an unbeaten World Cup to date, but were pushed all the way on Thursday night by New Zealand. If Maria Folau had made her shot just before full time, it would have been a draw.
Diamond Coach, Lisa Alexander, was pleased with the win but still saw plenty of things to work on.
Courtney Bruce at goalkeeper has been arguably the strongest player in the Australian squad so far. The mid court appears settled with Jamie-Lee Price, Liz Watson and Kelsey Browne all expected to start.
The former Sunshine Coast Lightning combination of Browne, Steph Wood and Caitlin Bassett was strong against the Silver Ferns.
The big improvers of international netball, South Africa, came into this World Cup ranked fifth. Their impressive tight win over Jamaica suggested, at the very least, that this ranking should improve.
Much has been said around the import policy of Super Netball and its effect on the international stage. South Africa has taken advantage of this, with a large number of their squad playing in Australia.
Karla Pretorius will create plenty of pressure on the opposition attack, as she does every week playing for the Lightning. Shooter Lenize Potgieter is playing for the Queensland Firebirds and also someone to watch tonight.
South Africa will be sweating on the fitness of their centre, Bongiwe Msomi, who left the court injured against England.
Prediction
Australia would prefer this match up rather than playing against England tonight. However, South Africa will come into this semi final with nothing to lose.
I think it will be a lot closer than many think but I expect the Diamonds to progress through to the World Cup Final.
Diamonds by 6
When: 8:15pm AEST
Where: M&S Bank Arena, Court 1, Liverpool, England
TV: Nine Go
Online: 9Now
Australian Diamonds
Caitlin Bassett (c), April Brandley, Kelsey Browne, Courtney Bruce, Paige Hadley, Sarah Klau, Jamie-Lee Price, Caitlin Thwaites, Gretel Tippett, Liz Watson, Jo Weston, Steph Wood.
South Africa
Erin Burger, Izette Griesel, Maryka Hotzhausen, Chawane Khanyisa, Phumza Maweni, Bongiwe Msomi (c), Lenize Potgieter, Karla Pretorius, Renske Stolz, Shadine van der Merwe, Ine Mari Venter, Vimbela Zanele
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Oh, I hadn't realised Plummer's tenure was coming to an end. Hopefully whoever takes over can keep them up at this level - several of them playing in the Australian/England leagues helps too, I guess. Don't understand why you'd mix up the combo so much for the semi-final either. But it's all part of the process, hopefully they can get across the line again. Think it'll be a tight one.
Simoc
Guest
The Bronze medal game will be Plummers last (and 50th) game as coach there. It is strange that the girls are fading at the end. But I don't expect them to vs NZ this time around in the final. It's the biggest game ever for all playing.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Was there a blog for the NZ/Eng semi? I couldn’t see one and thought that was odd.
Hoges
Roar Rookie
Bassett will play GS in the final but it should be Thwaites, better shooting percentage and has given away far less offensive penalties.
Republican
Guest
.......feel for Saffa. Would have been good for the game had they made the final v England, rather than another Trans Tasman ground hog day - which is the most likely scenario.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining the blog tonight. It sure didnt follow the script tonight but the Australian Diamonds have made the World Cup Final!
David Holden
Roar Guru
Lisa Alexander has hailed a courageous performance. She mentioned that her starting sevens are based on the opposition. We will see in the final but my starting seven would be: GK Bruce GD Weston WD Price C Watson WA Browne GA Wood GS Bassett
David Holden
Roar Guru
Liz Watson a well deserved player of the match after more than 20 goal assists.
David Holden
Roar Guru
We are just staying with the commentary for the time being. 98% shooting for Australia. South Africa actually had more shots on goal
David Holden
Roar Guru
Totally agree. We are getting to the point where the top 4-5 sides in the world are very close. I think the import rule in Super Netball has a big impact as well
David Holden
Roar Guru
Jo Weston had a couple of crucial turnovers in the last quarter to keep the Diamonds in front. As they were against the Silver Ferns, the Diamonds held strong under pressure
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Wow, what a match! Caught the final few minutes and Australia are a bit lucky to survive another second-half fade out. South Africa so impressive, cannot wait to see how they develop over the next few years under Plummer.
Republican
Guest
......Diamonds clearly struggling. Saffa haven't improved that much surely. Whoever meets Aussies in final will beat them I reckon, they seem to be running on empty.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Caitlin Bassett didn't play tonight but you would have to think that she will lead the Diamonds in the final
David Holden
Roar Guru
The Diamonds got the fright of their lives but they have held on to beat South Africa and they have made the World Cup Final
David Holden
Roar Guru
Q4 15' Holtzhausen has scored but the Diamonds have held on in a classic AUSTRALIA 54 SOUTH AFRICA 52
David Holden
Roar Guru
Q4 15' Wood strong under the basket AUSTRALIA 54 SOUTH AFRICA 51
David Holden
Roar Guru
Q4 14' Holtzhausen with a great shot AUSTRALIA 53 SOUTH AFRICA 50
David Holden
Roar Guru
Q4 14' Thwaites obstructed and converts AUSTRALIA 54 SOUTH AFRICA 50
David Holden
Roar Guru
Q4 13' Great feed from Watson to Thwaites AUSTRALIA 53 SOUTH AFRICA 49